Control system for operating automotive vehicle components

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

CLAIM OF BENEFIT OF FILING DATE

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/946,218, filed on Sep. 21, 2004, which is a non-provisional of application Ser. No. 60/505,983, filed on Sep. 25, 2003 and the present application claims the benefit of the filing dates of both prior applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a control system for operating automotive vehicle components such as seat comfort components, instrument panel components or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, the automotive industry has been designing control modules for operating automotive vehicle components. As examples, industry has designed control modules for operating automotive vehicle components such as seat comfort systems (e.g., heaters, ventilators, lumbar support systems, combinations thereof or the like), steering wheel heaters, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) systems, safety features or the like. In the interest of continuing such innovation, the present invention provides a control module, which may be suitable for various applications, but which has found particular utility in operating components of automotive vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A controller for controlling one or more components of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The controller includes at least one control module in signaling communication with a energy source, a sensor, a power stage and a switch wherein the energy source provides power to a heater as dictated by the power stage. The sensor senses a temperature associated with the heater and the switch turns the heater on and off. The control module includes programming for comparing representative values originating from the sensor to a set of n set point values (V₁ . . . V_(n)) wherein the representative values are representative of temperatures (T_(s)) sensed by the temperature sensor, the n set-point values are representative of n predetermined temperatures (T₁ . . . T_(n)) and n is a whole number greater than 1. The module also includes programming for allowing n different amounts of energy (E₁ . . . E_(n)) to be applied to the heater depending upon the representative values.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, claims and drawings, of which the following is a brief description:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heater system employing a control module according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates graphs useful for understanding the operation of the heater system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 also illustrates a graph useful for understanding the operation of the heater system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is predicated upon providing a control system for operating components of an automotive vehicle. Generally, it is contemplated that the control system may be employed for operating most any components of the automotive vehicle. Moreover, it is contemplated that the control system may include a single control module, multiple control modules or a universal control module that integrates multiple control modules.

Preferably, the control system includes at least one control module useful for operating vehicle comfort systems including, but not limited to, seat and steering wheel heaters, seat ventilation systems, lumbar support systems, combinations thereof or the like. According to one aspect of the invention, a control module is provided for operating a heater of a steering handle (e.g., a steering wheel), a heater of a vehicle seat, a ventilation system of the vehicle seat or a combination thereof. An exemplary heater, ventilation system or combination thereof typically includes one or more conductors, one or more air movers (e.g., blowers) or a combination thereof in signaling communication with one or more control modules and one or more temperature sensors in signaling communication with the one or more control modules.

One example of a suitable handle or steering wheel heater is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,467, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. One example of an integrated seat heater and seat ventilation system is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2004/0036326, filed May 9, 2003, titled “Automotive Vehicle Seat Insert”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary control system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. As can be seen, the system includes a control module 10 in signaling communication with one or more of a heater 12 (e.g., a steering wheel or seat heater), a temperature sensor 14, a power stage 16 and a switch 18, which preferably includes a light emitting diode (LED) 20, each of which is shown as blocks in the block diagram of FIG. 1. It should be understood that the circuits shown are exemplary and it is contemplated that other circuits may be employed within the scope of the present invention.

The heater 12 is preferably a resistive heater comprised of a plurality of conductors that act as one or more resistors 26, which may be configured in parallel, in series or otherwise. As shown, the heater 12 is in electrical communication with an energy source 28 (e.g., an automotive vehicle battery) via an electrical connection 30 (e.g., a wire or bus) and the power stage 16 is located along the electrical connection 30 for dictating amounts of energy provided by the energy source 28 delivers to the heater 12.

Typically, the heater 12 can be turned on by operating the switch 18 (e.g., a momentary switch) from an “off” configuration to an “on” configuration such that the switch 18 signals the control module 10 to allow the energy source 28 to deliver power (e.g., electrical energy) to the heater 12. In the embodiment shown, the control module 10 includes instructions for signaling the power stage 16 to allow an amount of energy (e.g., a percentage of a full voltage of the energy source 28) to be delivered to the heater 12.

In one embodiment, the control module 10 is programmed with instructions to apply an amount of energy to the heater 12 based upon a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 14. Thus, in one embodiment, the control module 10 includes instructions for applying at least three different amounts (e.g., percentages such 0%, 20% or 100% of full energy) of energy to the heater if temperatures sensed are above or below at least three different predetermined temperatures.

In a preferred embodiment, a number (n) of predetermined temperatures (T₁, T₂ . . . T_(n)) are selected wherein (n) is any whole number greater than two. T_(n) is preferably the highest of the predetermined temperatures and is also preferably the desired temperature for the heater 12. Moreover, the temperature T_(n-1) to T₁ preferably become progressively lower. Thus, for example, (n) could be equal to 7 and the following values may be chosen: T_(n)=30° C.; T_(n-1)=28° C.; T_(n-2)=26° C.; T_(n-3)=24° C.; T_(n-4)=22° C.; T_(n-5)=20° C.; T_(n-6)=18° C. Typically n is at least three, more typically at least five and even more typically at least seven.

In operation, the temperature sensor 14 senses a temperature associated with (i.e., a temperature at or adjacent) the heater 12. Thereafter, the temperature sensor 14 sends a signal to the control module 10 indicative or representative of the temperature sensed. For example, for a resistance based temperature sensor, a voltage is typically transmitted to the control module 10 wherein the voltage is representative of the temperature sensed. In such an embodiment, each predetermined temperature T₁ . . . T_(n) will respectively be associated with a predetermined voltage V₁ . . . V_(n) from the temperature sensor 14 and the predetermined voltages typically decline (e.g., by lowering DC voltage, decreasing duty cycle or the like) as the predetermined temperatures become higher. It should be understood that such temperature sensing is typically happening continuously or at intermittent time periods.

In the preferred embodiment, the control module 10 is programmed with instructions for commanding the power stage 16 to allow (n) different amounts of energy (E₁ . . . E_(n)) to be delivered to the heater 12 depending upon the sensed temperature T_(s) by the temperature sensor 14. In the embodiment, the different amounts of energy (E₁ . . . E_(n)) are produced by differing the amount of time for which a single voltage is produced during a time period (e.g., a cycle) or by differing voltages provided to the heater during different time periods or may be otherwise provided as well. Preferably, the different amounts of energy (E₁ . . . E_(n)) respectively inversely correspond to the predetermined temperatures (T₁ . . . T_(n)) such that higher predetermined temperatures correspond to lower amounts of energy.

The control module 10 is also programmed with a set of instructions to compare a value representative of the sensed temperature T_(s) with set-point values (e.g., the voltages V₁ . . . V_(n)) that are representative of the predetermined temperatures (T₁ . . . T_(n)) to determine the highest temperature of the predetermined temperatures (T₁ . . . T_(n)) that T_(s) is equal to or below. In turn, the control module 10 commands the power stage 16 to allow one of the different amounts of energy (E₁ . . . E_(n)) corresponding to the highest temperature of the predetermined temperatures (T₁ . . . T_(n)) that T_(s) is equal to or below. Moreover, if the sensed temperature T_(s) is equal to or above T_(n) (i.e., the highest predetermined temperature) then E_(n) (i.e., the lowest or zero amount of energy) is applied to the heater 12.

Accordingly, the table below provides an example of predetermined amounts of energy produced for voltages that are provided by a temperature sensor based upon sensed temperatures:

Predetermined Corresponding Corresponding Voltages Predetermined amounts of Temperatures (° C.) Resistances (Ohms) (Volts) Energy (% of duty cycle) 25 R ≦ 6610 V ≦ 1.529 0 23 6610 ≦ R ≦ 6733 1.529 ≦ V ≦ 1.549 10 21 6733 ≦ R ≦ 6857 1.549 ≦ V ≦ 1.569 20 19 6857 ≦ R ≦ 6983 1.569 ≦ V ≦ 1.588 30 17 6983 ≦ R ≦ 7110 1.588 ≦ V ≦ 1.608 40 15 7110 ≦ R ≦ 7238 1.608 ≦ V ≦ 1.627 50 13 7238 ≦ R ≦ 7368 1.627 ≦ V ≦ 1.647 60 11 7368 ≦ R ≦ 7633 1.647 ≦ V ≦ 1.686 70 9 7633 ≦ R ≦ 7904 1.686 ≦ V ≦ 1.725 80 7 7904 ≦ R ≦ 8182 1.725 ≦ V ≦ 1.765 90 5 8182 ≦ R 1.765 ≦ V 100

Thus, instructions for the controller based upon the above table may be a set of conditions as follows:

-   -   If V≦1.529 then E=0%     -   If 1.549≦V≦1.529 then E=10%     -   If 1.569≦V≦1.549 then E=20%     -   If 1.588≦V≦1.569 then E=30%     -   If 1.608≦V≦1.588 then E=40%     -   If 1.627≦V≦1.608 then E=50%     -   If 1.647≦V≦1.627 then E=60%     -   If 1.686≦V≦1.647 then E=70%     -   If 1.725≦V≦1.686 then E=80%     -   If 1.765≦V≦1.725 then E=90%     -   If 1.784≦V≦1.765 then E=100%

It should be recognized that these instructions may be programmed into the control module in a variety of ways and that various different instructions may provide the various energy outputs for the various temperature ranges.

Advantageously, the control module programmed with the instructions allows the heater 12 to reach its desired temperature (e.g., T_(n)) while minimizing the amount by which the heater temperature will exceed the desired temperature. As shown in Graph I of FIG. 2, a conventional heater can significantly exceed the desired temperature and oscillate about the desired temperature. However, as shown in Graph II of FIG. 2, a heater according to the present invention can reach the desired temperature without significantly exceeding the desired temperature and without significantly oscillating about the desired temperature.

According to another aspect of the invention, the control module 10 is programmed for preventing underheating, overheating or both. Accordingly, the control module 10 is programmed with data, which correlates a value representative of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 14 to an amount of energy provided to the heater 12. Such data is typically acquired by system modeling (i.e., testing the heater to determine temperatures or temperature changes that are sensed for a range of energies or a range of energy changes that are applied to the heater). As such, the data may be supplied as data points, as mathematical functions or the like.

For preventing overheating or underheating, the temperature sensor 14 provides values to the control module 10 representative of the temperatures being sensed by the sensor 14 over time. These representative values are matched with amounts of energy that the control module 10 is instructing the power stage 16 to deliver to the heater 12 over time. In turn, the control module 10 is programmed to compare the representative values and corresponding amounts of energy to the programmed data to assure that the energy being applied to the heater 12 is producing a temperature or temperature change commensurate with an expected temperature change provided by the data.

If the temperatures are commensurate with the energies being applied, the control module 10 typically continues to control the heater 12 in its normal manner. However, if the temperatures are not commensurate with the energies, the control module 10 typically shuts the heater 12 down and optionally instructs that LED 20 of the switch 18 to flash.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a graph plotting temperature sensor values (shown as resistances (R_(ntc))) versus time (t). In the graph, two scenarios are modeled as mathematical functions, which are represented by data curves 40, 44. Preferably, the data curves 40, 44 are modeled using empirical data from the heater 12. In the embodiment shown, one data curve 40 models the expected temperature sensor values with respect to time for a scenario in which the power source 28 delivers a minimum acceptable amount of energy (e.g., 8.5 volts) to the heater 12 and the heater 12 does not exhibit a fault condition (e.g., a condition that would substantially change the heat output of the heater). The other data curve 44 models the expected temperature sensor values with respect to time for a scenario in which the power source 28 delivers a maximum acceptable amount of energy (e.g., 16.5 volts) to the heater 12 and the heater 12 does not exhibit a fault condition.

Once these scenarios are modeled, two fault curves 50, 54 are established as mathematical functions based upon the data curves 40, 44. Preferably, the fault curves 50, 54 are established to be within percent tolerances (e.g., 30% or less) of the data curves 40, 44. Thus, one fault curve 50 is modeled as having temperature sensor values that change slower (e.g., at the maximum percent tolerance slower) than the data curve 40 for which the minimum acceptable amount of energy is applied to the heater 12. The other fault curve 54 is modeled as having temperature sensor values that change faster (e.g., at the maximum percent tolerance faster) than the data curve 44 for which the maximum acceptable amount of energy is applied to the heater 12.

Advantageously, the fault curves 50, 54 can be programmed into the control module 10 such that the actual changes of temperature sensor values can be compared to the fault curves 50, 54 to detect whether a fault condition is present for the heater 12. For example, the control module 10 may be programmed to shut down the heater 12 if the heater 12 is exhibiting changes in temperature sensor values that are slower than or outside the fault curve 50, which is based upon the minimum acceptable energy level being applied to the heater 12 (e.g., where an underheating fault condition is present such as that represented by a real data curve 56). Alternatively or additionally, the control module 10 may be programmed to shut down the heater 12 if the heater module 10 is exhibiting changes in temperature sensor values that are faster than or outside the fault curve 54 that is based upon the maximum acceptable energy level being applied to the heater 12 (e.g., where an overheating fault condition is present such as that represented by a real data curve 58). Moreover, whenever a fault condition is detected, the control module 10 may command the LED 18 to flash to indicate such fault.

It should be recognized that it may be desirable for the control module to be programmed to shutdown the heater if the current flowing through the heater is to high (i.e., an overcurrent condition) or too low (i.e., an undercurrent condition). In such an embodiment, the control module typically continuously monitors the current flowing through the heater and if that current falls below a lower current threshold or rises above an upper current threshold, the control module commands the heater to shutdown. In one preferred embodiment, the control module also continuously monitors the voltage being delivered to the heater and, in turn, the control module will adjust the upper and lower current thresholds based upon the voltage measurements (i.e., the thresholds will be raised or lowered in correspondence respectively with the up and down fluctuations of the voltage measurements that can typically be experienced from the energy source). In this preferred embodiment, the control module may also be programmed to shut down the heater if voltage measurements go respectively above or below predetermined upper and lower voltage thresholds (e.g., above 16.5 volts or below 9.0 volts).

According to another aspect of the invention, the system includes a ventilation system and a heater. In such a system, the control module 10 is typically additionally in signaling communication with an air mover 34 (e.g., a blower) configure for moving air that is adjacent trim cover or passenger of a seat. Thus, the control module is typically programmed with instructions for operating both the air mover 34 and the heater 12. Such programming may include instructions for turning the heater 12 and the air mover 34 on and off and such programming may include instructions for operating the heater 12, the air mover 34 or both at a range of different output levels.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control module 10 is programmed with instructions for providing remedial measures if excessive ventilation (e.g., overcooling) and/or excessive heating (e.g., overheating) is detected. The remedial measures can include turning the air mover 34 on in the event that the temperature sensor 14 senses, respectively, a temperature in excess of a predetermined upper limit temperature and turning the heater 12 on in the event that the temperature sensor 14 senses a temperature below a predetermined lower limit temperature.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the control module 10 is programmed with instructions for, during operation of the heater 12, comparing a representative value of a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 14 to a first set-point value representing a first upper limit temperature. Based upon the comparison, if the sensed temperature is greater than the first upper limit temperature, the control module 10 includes instructions for activating the air mover 34 for a predetermined time period, preferably, although not necessarily, while the heater 12 remains on.

In the embodiment, the control module 10 is also preferably programmed with instructions for, during operation of the heater 12 and optionally the air mover 34 as well, comparing the representative value of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 14 to a second set-point value representing a second upper limit temperature greater than the first upper limit temperature. Based upon the comparison, if the sensed temperature is greater than the second upper limit temperature, the control module 10 includes instructions for turning the heater 12 off and turning the air mover 34 on or allowing the air mover 34 to remain on at least until the sensed temperature falls below the second upper limit.

In addition or alternatively, the control module 10 is programmed with instructions for, during operation of the air mover 34, comparing a representative value of a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 14 to a first set-point value representing a first lower limit temperature. Based upon the comparison, if the sensed temperature is less than the first lower limit temperature, the control module 10 includes instructions for activating the heater 12 for a predetermined time period, preferably, although not necessarily, while the air mover 34 remains on.

In the embodiment, the control module 10 is also preferably programmed with instructions for, during operation of the air mover 34 and optionally the heater 12 as well, comparing the representative value of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 14 to a second set-point value representing a second lower limit temperature less than the first upper limit temperature. Based upon the comparison, if the sensed temperature is less than the second lower limit temperature, the control module 10 includes instructions for turning the air mover off and turning the heater 12 on or allowing the heater 12 to remain on at least until the sensed temperature raises above the second lower limit.

The control module may also be programmed with other additional features as well. In one embodiment, the control module is programmed to provide substantially constant energy to the LED such that the light emitted by the LED is substantially constant during operation thereof. In such an embodiment, the control module is programmed to deliver different percentages of energy to the LED depending on the amount of voltage being delivered by the energy source or automotive vehicle battery. In particular, the control module receives continuous signals indicative of the amount of voltage being supplied by the energy source (e.g., the vehicle battery) and, in turn, the control module adjusts the percentage of that amount of voltage that is actually delivered to the LED (e.g., adjusts the percentage of time or number of cycles for which full voltage is supplied). Thus, fluctuations in the amount of voltage supplied by the energy source are accounted for such that the LED can emit a substantially continuous amount of light at least during operation.

The control module may also be programmed with an additional shutdown feature for instances in which a relatively large amount of energy is supplied to the heater for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the control module can be programmed to shut down or stop providing energy to the heater if the power supply has been providing energy at a level greater than 80%, more typically greater than 90% and even more typically about 100% of full energy (i.e., the maximum amount of energy typically supplied to the heater) for a period of time greater than about 10 minutes, more typically greater than about 20 minutes and even more typically about 30 minutes.

In another embodiment, the control module may be programmed with a start-up feature, which is designed to have the power supply provide energy to the heater for a predetermined time upon sensing of a temperature below a particular threshold level at initial start up. For example, under relatively cold conditions (e.g., temperatures below about −20° C. or about −30° C.) it may be possible for the temperature sensor, particularly at initial start-up of the automotive vehicle, the heater or both, to send a signal indicative of a fault even though the heater may still be operable in its desired ranges. As such, the control module can be programmed to, upon sending of a fault condition or an extremely low temperature at start-up of the heater, signal the power supply to provide energy at a predetermined level greater than 80% more typically greater than 90% and even more typically about 100% of full energy (i.e., the maximum amount of energy typically supplied to the heater) for a period of time between about 10 seconds and 5 minutes, more typically between about 50 second and 3 minutes and even more typically between about 80 seconds and 100 seconds. In this manner, the sensed temperatures can be brought into normal readable ranges for the temperature sensor such that the heater and control module can begin operating normally. However, if the sensed temperature remains very low or if the temperature sensor continues to indicate a fault condition, the heater will likely be shut down.

It is also contemplated that the system may include a stuck button detection feature, which only allows the heater or ventilator to be activated when the on/off switch is a button and the button returns to its normal non-depressed position after that button has been depressed. Thus, if the button becomes stuck in a depressed position, the heater, the ventilator or both will not be activated or turned on.

Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Plural structural components can be provided by a single integrated structure. Alternatively, a single integrated structure might be divided into separate plural components. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed. A person of ordinary skill in the art would realize however, that certain modifications would come within the teachings of this invention. Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the invention. 

1. A controller for controlling one or more components of an automotive vehicle comprising; at least one control module in signaling communication with an energy source, a sensor, an air mower, a power stage and a switch wherein the energy source provides power to a heater as dictated by the power stage, the sensor senses a temperature associated with the heater and the switch turns the heater on and off and wherein the control module includes: i. programming for comparing representative values originating from the sensor to a set of n set point values (V₁ . . . V_(n)) wherein the representative values are representative of temperatures (T_(s)) sensed by the temperature sensor, the n set-point values are representative of n predetermined temperatures (T₁ . . . T_(n)) and n is a whole number greater than 1, wherein n is at least 3 ii. programming for allowing n different amounts of energy (E₁ . . . E_(n)) to be applied to the heater depending upon the representative value, such different amount be applied during an initial heat up time period of the heater once the heater is turned on; and iii. programming for providing remedial measures if a relatively high temperature or a relatively low temperature is detected wherein the remedial measures include programming for turning the air mover on in the event that the temperature sensor senses a temperature in excess of a predetermined upper limit temperature and programming for turning the heater on in the event that the temperature sensor senses a temperature below a predetermined lower limit temperature; wherein the different amounts of energy respectively correspond to the predetermined temperatures such that higher predetermined temperatures correspond to lower amounts of energy and wherein the heater is selected from a seat heater or a steering wheel heater of the automotive vehicle.
 2. A controller as in claim 1 wherein the programming for comparing the representative values and the amount of energy being applied to the heater with programmed data includes establishing a first fault curve and a second fault curve wherein the first fault curve is modeled as having temperature sensor values that change slower than expected and the second fault curve is modeled as having temperature sensor values that change faster than expected.
 3. A controller as in claim 1 wherein the switch includes a light emitting diode (LED) and wherein the control module is programmed to provide substantially constant energy to the LED such that the light emitted by the LED is substantially constant during operation thereof.
 4. A controller as in claim 1 wherein the control module is programmed with a start-up feature, which is designed to have the power supply provide energy to the heater for a predetermined time upon sensing of a temperature below a particular threshold level at initial start up.
 5. A controller as in claim 1 wherein the controller includes a stuck button feature, which only allows the heater or ventilator to be activated when the on/off switch is a button and the button returns to its normal non-depressed position after that button has been depressed. 